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Energy‐activated steel solutions for climate‐positive buildings The overall research project "Energy‐activated steel solutions for climate‐positive buildings" is developing, investigating and evaluating new solutions with a highly innovative character and considerable potential in terms of the energy transition. The aim is the further dissemination and application of steel as a material in the building sector as a contribution to the energy and heat transition and to increasing sustainability in the construction industry. In order to structure the extensive objectives of the project, the overall project was divided into four sub‐projects. In the first three sub‐projects, different topics are addressed that fall under the main theme of "Energy‐activated steel solutions for climate‐positive buildings". These topics will be investigated, optimized and evaluated using real demonstrators. In the fourth sub‐project, the individual solutions developed for energy generation from the ground and the environment, optimization of the building envelope, technical solutions for energy storage and energy transfer to the room are brought together in a virtual building demonstrator. In this virtual environment, the components for energy generation (geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, photovoltaics) can be tested and evaluated in combination with the energy conversion and transfer components. At the end of the project, the aim is to show how the goal of a climate‐positive building can be achieved through the systematic use of steel solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plus energy buildings 2.0 in lightweight steel constructions From the year 2020 onwards, the supply of new buildings should be widely independent form fossil fuels. In the planning and realization of new buildings, the technical installations and lightning as well as the use of renewable energies will be considered in addition to the reduction of the heating demand. Besides a holistic examination, evaluation and optimisation considering energy demand and energy supply will be necessary. So called plus energy buildings are producing in a yearly average more energy than they need. With energy management and storage in the building, an additional relief of the energy supply structure can be achieved (plus energy 2.0). In the context of a research project, in cooperation of the chair for Sustainable Metal Building Envelopes of the RWTH Aachen University, the Subject Area Building Services of the FH Aachen University of applied sciences and the Department of Architecture and Metal Construction of the FH Dortmund University of applied sciences and arts, solutions for plus energy buildings in lightweight steel constructions will be scientifically researched, proved, optimized and recommended procedures for future building concepts evolved. Besides of the optimization of the building envelop the use of steel solutions like building integrated PV or solar thermal energy, steel pile based geothermal energy as well as new steel panel heating and cooling devices will be considered with the use of a detailed architectural draft. Furthermore, it will be proved in experimental analyses and based on a parametric sample building. As a result of the project holistic plus energy concepts for energy optimized buildings in lightweight steel constructions will be created. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of renewable energies by thermal activation of steel components The supply of new buildings should be as independent from fossil fuels as possible. Renewable energies are important to reach this aim. A good way to achieve a higher usability of renewable energies without much additional effort is to give existing components in the building additional functions. For example, the façade or roof can be solar‐thermally activated or extended by photovoltaic modules. Deep foundations can also be given a geothermal function in addition to their structural function to absorb or release heat. Integration into building components is also suitable for the distribution of heat or cold in the building in addition to the generation. For example, the floor can be activated by underfloor heating or the ceiling by radiant ceiling panels. The publication deals with the thermal activation of steel components. A solution is presented to activate the curtain‐type rear‐ventilated steel façade by solar thermal means. Furthermore, two possibilities for geothermal activation of deep foundations using steel piles are shown. Finally, a system for the thermal activation of trapezoidal steel profiles at the ceiling is explained, which offers the possibility of adding or if required removing heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]